Interview With Arkadiusz (Norek) Dudziński

Article by Jay Boychuk

So, Arkadiusz Dudziński, otherwise known as Norek, is an incredible new-school footbag player from Poland, who recently won Zocha Jam 2009, defeating other greats such as Marcin Bujko and former World Champion Damian Geilnicki. Over the past two years we’ve seen great progression from Norek, and now it’s time to get to know him a little better, looking straight into the mind of a champion.

So Norek, how are you today?

Thanks. I'm fine. I've just finished my shred.

Many players from North America have never played with you, so it might be interesting to know... How tall are you, how much do you weigh, and what shoe size do you wear? When were you born?

175cm, 57 kilograms, shoe size: 8,5, I was born 21.09.1990. (Those being roughly 5'8", 126 pounds)

About your beginning, exactly when did you start playing footbag, and what got you interested in the sport? Who was your first footbag idol?

I've started playing footbag in December 2004. What got me interested? My classmate who was playing in the school( stuff like ATW, clipper etc.) and I wanted to try it too. I liked it and then we were playing all along and everywhere. We heard about Footfighter and we decided to contact them. We met with Kamil Wysocki and he just shown us what really freestyle is. And of course Kamil was my first idol Smile. Here I want to thank him for everything he did for me.

Who was the first footbag player you met? Who do you usually play with now?

As I said Kamil was first professional player I met. Now I play with him and Karolina.

What was your first dream move / drill? Do you have any dream goals you can’t hit?

Huh, I don't remember what was my dream 5 years ago, hehe but I never have dreams about moves. I always dream to be better and better.

When you started playing, did you think you could one day be a world champion?

No, never. Really. I have only one dream: be a Polish Champion. I became Polish Champion in 2008 so now I play footbag only for myself and I don't dream about World Champion and stuff like this.

Alright, now that we know a bit more about how you began in footbag, time to get to the good stuff. What are your future goals for 2010?

I have only two goals. First: be still better and better. Second: make video every month.

Through your career, what has been your proudest or best accomplishment? [Drill, tournament victory, big trick, or otherwise]

Definitely my best and proudest accomplishment was possibility to show you "The 50 drills" video.

What is the hardest link you can do?

hehe. Watch "The 50 drills"

http://vimeo.com/7773177

What is your favourite video, or footbag dvd?

Feet on Fire.

How often do you play? During what months do you play the most?

I play everyday.

How is the scene in Poland? How do you think it is different from the rest of the world?

uhh. I don't know what I should say. For me polish scene is the best. But it's only my subjective opinion because I live here and know it very well.

Do you feel that being a “BAP” member changes anything about how you feel about Footbag? Does it make you train harder?

I don't care about BAP. I don't need it, it gives me nothing.

There has been some discussion of Worlds being in Poland this year, what do you have to say about that?

No. Maybe next year. In this year I think Worlds will be held in USA.

What was the biggest reason you got to be among the best in the world? How can others reach the same level?

Practice!! Practice!! And PRACTICE!!

Thanks Norek, we look forward to seeing you in the future!

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